Confluence of Hurdygurdy Creek and South Fork Smith River, late winter. by Jeff Bright

Project Description

An outstanding opportunity exists to acquire a total of over 5,400 acres of the Hurdygurdy Creek, Little Jones Creek, and Siskiyou Fork watersheds currently owned by the Agnew Corporation of Washington and other private owners. Upon completion of this acquisition, these watersheds will become a protected part of the Smith River National Recreation Area.

Urgency

The Smith River is one of the crown jewels of the National Wild and Scenic River System. The proposed acquisition is entirely within the boundary of the 450-square-mile Smith River NRA and is surrounded by public lands, including the Siskiyou Wilderness, which is less than three miles to the east. Without protection, these parcels could be subdivided for recreational, second-home development.

Habitat and Recreational Value

Hurdygurdy Creek drains a 29-square mile area circumscribed by Bear Basin and Hurdygurdy Buttes, the west slope of Fox Ridge, and Gordon Mountain. Little Jones Creek, a tributary to the Middle Fork Smith River supports resident rainbow and cutthroat trout. This resident trout population has been the focus of intensive fisheries research for the past decade. In addition to their inherent refugia values, these watersheds provide very stable flows of cold, clean water to the main forks of the Smith River — especially important to salmonids residing in the main stem during the late summer and early fall. Protection of these watersheds will further secure the future of California’s finest wild river system.

Map of Hurdygurdy Creek Project area

Hurdygurdy Creek Project summary w/ map (PDF)

How You Can Help: An Opportunity to Acquire Private Timber Land on Hurdygurdy Creek.

Click the left-side links on this page to learn more about our conservation programs and to view our useful Resources pages.

Smith River Alliance
PO Box 2129
Crescent City, CA 95531

© 2004-2007 Smith River Alliance